Stuff I’m loving right now
Every so often, I just want to share with you all what has gotten my attention and is currently making me happy. If you’ve had an office visit with me lately, you might have already heard of some of these, so sorry about the repetition.
Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspe
If you’ve talked with me lately you’ve heard about this book and my own experience in doing these food hacks. SO worth reading this and trying it for yourself. This book talks about HOW to eat not WHAT to eat, to avoid big swings in your blood sugar. We all do it, so this info is important. Read this and get your own blood sugar spikes under control.
Dexcom continuous glucose monitor; get it via Levelshealth.com
Once you read the book above, then wear one of these. No, your insurance won’t pay for it unless you have diabetes, but it’s worth the investment. Use your FSA or HSA money if you have it. Be ready to be surprised, and also be ready to play with the hacks and prove to yourself that they work. I wore one for a month. I was amazed. Don’t guess, measure!
I’m still finishing this project and have really enjoyed it. Basically, you get a kit: it ends up giving them info on your blood sugar and fat responses, plus your microbiome. (You do a stool test, wear a continuous glucose monitor for 2 weeks, and prick your finger after eating really horrible muffins—they give the team info on how you respond to specific fat and sugar content). Then they give you personalized codes on what foods work well for your body and which ones really don’t. The app is amazing and a great learning tool. You’ll take a few minutes of each day for several months to get through it all; gradual change is lasting change! I’m learning why I felt so good all those years when I was a healthy pescatarian and I also learned that no, I can’t add cream to my coffee. And yep, if I eat using their system, I feel better!
John is a poet who started sharing with the world on Facebook as he wrestled with depression, anxiety and sadness. He has learned how to live with a totally open heart as he found that was his gift for the world. I did a writing workshop with him this fall and am learning to find my authentic voice again. Look for his work on Facebook and get a few of his books. They are truly lovely.
Qi gong online with Lee Holden
I started qi gong locally (see below). I fell in love and now include almost daily classes with Lee. Qi gong is like a moving meditation, and it stimulates meridians to balance your health. Lee’s subscription series is so inexpensive it’s hard to NOT get involved. Try it!
Qi gong locally with Tom Marion at Prancing Peacock yoga studio
Tom has been teaching for a bit now, having completed his training with Lee Holden. My local class, where we settle ourselves down and build community
Yoga dance is an interesting blend of some yoga moves, some free dance and generally getting out of your head. I’ve done it live at Kripalu often over the years, and did a class with Jurian while there this fall. Like everyone, she also teaches online. I’ve done some online classes with her and surprisingly, it still works! (but if you can get to Kripalu while she’s there, live is WAY better!)
Energetic Herbalism by Kat Maier
For the serious herbal student. Kat is a fabulous teacher and this book looks at herbs via a different lens: focused on the energetics of the plants, which isn’t always taught. LOVE this book. And at the AHG meeting this fall, Kat was doing the keynote speech when a fire alarm went off in the hotel…..so we all moved outside and she finished her speech in the parking lot!
If you’re going to drink wine, you should drink wine from these guys. This company searches out small producers who make their wine in a way to have very little residual sugar and as few chemicals as possible. You’ll feel better after you drink this. (and it’s pricey enough you won’t over indulge)
Alyce Adams, RN is the Kegel Queen. A patient told me about her a number of years ago, and I’ve actually met her now (we’ve done some business classes together online). Her work is brilliant, helping women deal with pelvic prolapse, incontinence and painful sex without surgery, and she is a truly caring person. Great sense of humor as well. Check her out.
As we head toward the Solstice next week and the end of the year, I’m hoping you all are doing well. My understanding is that 2023 will be a big year for most of us—astrologers are pointing out big shifts that I frankly don’t understand, but when they said I’ll finally get something I’ve been striving for for decades, it got my attention. Hope you can look forward to the future with interest and enthusiasm!